Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Barcelona news: Lionel Messi issued major demand to club board - and they had to give in
BARCELONA star Lionel Messi demanded the club extend Jordi Alba’s contract, according to reports.
Barcelona: Lionel Messi scores stunning volley against Sevilla
Barcelona star Lionel Messi is close to Alba, who renewed his contract with the Catalan giants on Thursday.
"Barcelona and Jordi Alba have reached an agreement to renew his contract for the next five seasons, until June 30, 2024. The buyout clause is set at €500M," a statement read.
"Over the course of the next few days, we will announce when the official signing of the new contract will be held."
Alba has played a key role in Barcelona’s dominance of La Liga ever since arriving from Valencia in 2012.
But OK Diario say it was Messi who was a key figure in the Spain international extending his Nou Camp stay.
The report claims that Messi was hellbent on making sure Barcelona kept hold of his dressing room ally.
Back in the summer, Manchester United were linked with Jose Mourinho keen to land an upgrade on Luke Shaw.
Chelsea have also been mooted as suitors in the past.
OK Diario say it initially looked as if Barcelona would lose Alba given their failure to tie him down.
But Messi, it seems, was key to the defender staying in Catalonia.
The Argentina international refused to even contemplate seeing his team-mate quit for the club for somewhere elsewhere.
And Barcelona have now bowed to their demand.
Meanwhile, speaking last month, Alba admitted he was eager to retire at the La Liga giants.
“I have never seen myself outside of Barcelona, since I have been at Barca it's my dream [to stay]," he said.
“As the years have passed I have kept growing and I notice the affection from the fans even more.
“I have always seen myself in Barcelona and my dream is to retire here.
“It's obvious that my dream is to stay at Barcelona. It's cost too much to get here to then have to leave.
“I have my family here, their support, the fans and my teammates. I don't think I'd be happier anywhere else."